Speed Rated Tires for Harley Sportster

[mc2032]

Noob question/request for advice.  I am planning on racing a Sportster in the 130 Club this year.  I have looked for speed rated tires Z/ZR or W (90/90-19 front, 130-150/80-16 rear).  I haven't had much luck finding tires rated higher than V in these sizes.  Does anyone know of brands/makes that are rated at least this high for my wheel sizes?  I am buying tires now to meet requirements for possibly running in class next year (modified pushrod gas).  The '10 rule book does say i could use shaved V rated tires.  Does anyone know who/where/how to shave tires.  any info/advice is greatly appreciated.  Ross

[46champ]

That I know of there are no Z or W rated tires in the sizes you need.  When you get to the point that you will need them you will need to do a wheel change also.  The BUB event is a little more tolerent on what tire you can use.

[Moxnix]

Avon Azaro ST makes a front ZR 110/80 in 19.  If it shoehorns on  then you only have to put a 17 on the rear for a ZR.

[ol38y]

Yup, ZR rated tires are available for the front. Dunlop used to make a ZR rated 16 but no longer. Cowboy Tire in signal Hill shaves tires. Many people like what he does but I wasn't impressed. When they were done they had to put a hugh amount of weights to balance the tire and the shaving was rough as he**. Other than that, you'll have to go with a 17" rear...

[mc2032]

Thanks for the pesponses!  Landracing people are great!  Probably will begin looking for suitable replacements for my existing wheels.  Again, any ideas/suggestions will be appreciated.  Buell wheels are "kinda harley" but wider and have different axle diameters which messes up forks and swingarms.  but hey, look on the bright side.  working on the bike beats watching teevee any day.

[Moxnix]

How about getting another 19-inch front Sportster wheel and a set of adapters from Phil Little Racing, then mount another front Avon 19 ZR tire, reversed, arrow pointing backwards, for a drive wheel? 

[mc2032]

never in a million years would i have thought of that.  simple, obtainable.  yep. LSR folks are just alright!  since i am getting new tires, any ideas on preferred widths? front/rear?  stock front is 90/90-19, anything to be gained or lost by changing to something else?

[Moxnix]

Phil Little sells flat tracker set-ups, this is not a spam just noting a parts source.  You might check the rim width on your Sportster wheel and look for a tire that is compatible.  You may not have to pay extra for the ZR rating if you're going for 130.  Rulebook breaks down tire ratings requred for different speeds, H up to 130, V up to 150, ZR up to 200, LSR specific over 200.

[mc2032]

My plan is to get my feet wet in the 130 club this year but set up the bike for follow on years, running in class, possibly BUB or one of the other events.  so, i might as well get it right to start.  i hope i am not polishing a turd (rub and rub but you still end up with a piece of crap) that's why i am on here asking questions.  I am going to extend the swingarm to 10% over stock wheel base, i have replaced the bar and riser w/ clipons, obtained gears/chain to get to theoretical mphs (130-150) based on rpms/hp from past dyno pulls plus other stuff as well. Additionally i have bent just about anyone and everyones ear till they screen my calls, trying to get as much info/advice as early as possible. Oh, and i read the rule book.  Alot.  I was wondering when the '11 book will be available for purchase?

[Seldom Seen Slim]

2032, we heard from Dan Warner that (I think he said) the '11 SCTA rulebook would bwe printed in late January -- which implies it oughta be on sale most any day.  There are a number of places you can buy it, including botrh the SCTA-BNI.org website and the saltflats.com site.

We recommend three copies - one for the coffee table, one for the shop, and one for the back of the toilet.  Not Kidding!

[mc2032]

i borrowed my copy from stainless, now you got me thinking.......yuck. thanks, now my OCD just kicked back in, after countless hours of therapy.

[Stainless1]

Not to worry there Ross, I kept it by the chair in the living room, and it goes in the truck when it is time to travel, I read Hot Rod and This Old House in the can....  take off the rubber gloves and keep reading....   
 

[ol38y]

How about getting another 19-inch front Sportster wheel and a set of adapters from Phil Little Racing, then mount another front Avon 19 ZR tire, reversed, arrow pointing backwards, for a drive wheel? 

Is the Avon an All Position tire? Some fronts are, some aren't. I don't know, just asking.

[Moxnix]

Maybe call Phil Little.  He puts the 19s on his street trackers.  Phone-952-935-8833-

[nrhs sales]

I am using a Pirelli 150vr16 on the rear wheel of our sportster this year.